You're surely looking forward to bringing your children along on your car trip, but you also know how the situation can quickly turn to frustration. However, there are many things you can do to help ensure that everything goes smoothly. Keep reading to learn more, and consider these tips for travel experiences with children.
Kids need to be kept busy, and one way you can do that is by bringing some of their toys along. Depending on the ages of your children, this could mean bringing a wide variety of things. You can bring handheld games, action figures, dolls, other electronics and more. If you have older children, furnish an iPod. That will do the trick. For younger children consider bringing toys that are not ones they usually play with. This will provide the "newness" factor, and they will look forward to playing with these toys on the trip.
You can also engage your children in activities that do not involve bringing along supplies. After all, you don't want to pack everything. For instance, play games with your children, such as "I Spy" and "The Alphabet Game." Point out different scenery that you each find interesting. You can also play some music that everyone can enjoy together and perhaps sing along with each other.
You definitely want to make sure you have thought about frequent stops ahead of time and are prepared. You know that children are going to get antsy and need to use the bathroom more frequently, as well. Therefore, it's important that you take this into consideration when planning your trip. You're still going to get caught off guard, but plan the best you can.
Kids are not only going to need to make more frequent stops, they are also going to want to eat and drink more often. You can keep them from getting agitated and antsy by providing snacks and drinks for the road. For goodness sake, don't pack soda. Pack healthy snacks and drinks that can nourish your child without causing an upset stomach or an influx of the wrong type of energy.
You also need to ensure that your children are dressed comfortably. Especially if in the car for an extended period of time, you don't want your children in uncomfortable clothing. Know the forecast, and be sure that your children are not only wearing appropriate clothing for the forecast, but also for the trip in general.
If you're on a really long road trip, don't just stop for eats and bathroom breaks. Instead, plan a few stops along the way for everyone just to have a little fun. Your children will enjoy this, and they will have more to look forward to during the trip.
You want to have the right kind of experience when traveling with your children. Without the proper preparations, you're going to enable them to sabotage the trip. Instead, you need to be in control, and you need to use the tips that you've been given to help make your trip with your children an enjoyable one.